I’ve always loved walking in the countryside. It takes me back to my origins, to Italy and the importance of the land. Living in London makes me feel the need of frequent “city escapes” even more, to be able to bear with the smog and concrete of the city. I’ve done many country walks since I moved to London in 2015, but it’s mainly from last year that I started to feel a special connection with nature. Last year I set off for a pilgrimage in Italy, where my roots are, on the St Francis Way. I deliberately chose to walk alone and that was the best decision I could have made. Walking makes you appreciate what you have and what you need, but especially what to leave behind and what really matters. I learned how less is better than more. A backpack and a stick found in the woods, that’s all I needed. I’m not a pro of outdoor activities yet but, when I was little, I always dreamt of being a Boy Scout and living on a treehouse.
I decided to do the Cornish Celtic Way for many reasons. I knew it was a relatively new pilgrimage and therefore not so busy like other more famous walks. Most importantly, I wanted to go out of my comfort zone, learn to rely on my own capabilities and deepen my relationship with nature and with myself. Trust my own intuition, living the present moment, find my own way. And of course, Cornwall is just stunning!
I loved every part of it. I loved the ocean, the wind, the rocks, the birds, the sunsets, the stars, the beaches, the people met on the way and their stories (so many, and always at the right time!), the days spent alone and those in company. Everything was there for me, there was no coincidence. I just embraced it and lived it. The Universe guides you through the path and you feel nothing can stop you. Of course, it wasn’t always proceeding easily and smoothly. Spending long hours alone makes you think a lot and thoughts can be quite loud and sometimes painful.
I started in St. Germans and walked on the southern coast up to Fowey, then the route follows the Saints Way, which took me coast to coast on the north, to Padstow. Once there, I followed the Camino towards west and that was the best part of the coast. The pilgrimage takes you off the coast sometimes, to visit small churches dedicated to Celtic saints, I guess it’s up to the pilgrim and their instinct to know whether to go or stay on the coastal path. You will know. On reaching St. Ives, there’s the last and best part of the pilgrimage: the St. Michael’s Way. This took me from St Uni’s church in Lelant to the southern coast, up to St Michael’s Mount. I particularly loved Trencrom Hill, which has an incredible energy and an amazing view from the top. I won’t spoil it for you, I prefer to leave it for the pilgrims to live their own experience. Before arriving to St. Michael’s Mount I had the chance to meet Reverend Nigel, the author of the book that guided me. I was the first pilgrim who stayed at his church hall in Ludgvan and I hope there will be many more to come.
Making a pilgrimage really connects you with the land and people of that place, but most of all with your own soul. For me it was not a religious trip, but rather like a long meditation, a time off your routine and life comforts, a way to be grateful and appreciate what you have and who you are. And the journey goes on.
I want to thank all those who contributed to make this pilgrimage special, particularly Michelle, Naomi, Martin, Neil, Julia, Alessandro, Val, Heather, Phil, Ola, Fiona, Tracey and Nigel.
Check out more pictures of Fabio’s walk on his instagram @fabwalks.
